Page 37 - NMHBA Spring 2022

A MOMENT IN TIME
HORSE TALES:
Editor’s Note: The Horse Tales exhibit made it to the Anne C. Stradling Museum of the Horse, but when Anne Stradling became too ill to keep the museum going, the entire Museum of the Horse collection was given to the Hubbard Museum in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico.
The Evolution of the NM Bred
Previously Published in the Jan./Feb. 1992 New Mexico Horse Breeder
During the millions of years it took for the horse to evolve into the glorious beast it is today, Mankind’s relationship with the horse was evolving, too.
We learn from 30,000-year-old cave drawings and ivory carvings that horses were one of the prehistoric man’s major food sources.
But once our ancient ancestors domesticated them, the relationship between humans and horses was set. They didn’t become an integral part of our culture, though, until after many years had passed and many
changes had occurred to
our planet, to the horses
and to ourselves.
Believe it or not, New Mexico used to be a lush, semi-tropical forest where leaf- and fruit-eating horses thrived.
Over time, these native
horses grew larger, gained
an improved sense of smell and changed from a three-toed to a one-toed, long-nailed (the hoof) animal.
These changes did much to increase their speed and agility and keep them one stride ahead of predators.
Despite their great survival tactics, climatic changes in the Southwest caused their extinction. Luckily, the few native horses who had migrated to Asia were able to continue the species.
Ten thousand years later, descendants
of these native horses returned home when Spanish explorers arrived in the Southwest in the 1500s. The explorers’ horses had been brought to Spain by African Moors.
Pueblo Indians learned to ride from the Spaniards and introduced the horse to Indian tribes of the Southwest plains, who, in turn, introduced them to other plains tribes. Horse culture spread, eventually reaching tribes west of the Rocky Mountains.
Assimilation of the horse into Indian culture did more than change their way of life: it helped them survive.
On horseback, Indians could easily follow and hunt their prey, transport meat and furs back to camp, be on an even level with enemies, move camp when necessary, and so on.
While horse culture was experiencing a rebirth in the New World, people in the Old World were discovering the benefits of selective breeding. Europeans bred strong horses to carry armored knights into battle and pull large, heavy loads.
Africans and Middle Easterners had long been breeding quick and agile
Arabian horses known for stamina.
Nordic people developed sturdy, shaggy horses who could withstand harsh, freezing climates.
It’s because of selective breeding that we have the diversity of breeds today.
When the colonists arrived to the U.S., they
brought their horses, including English Thoroughbreds, which came from Arabian stallions and English mares.
From this Thoroughbred line developed three American breeds: Saddle Horse, Morgan and Quarter Horse. All three breeds were used
by the Cavalry during the Indian Wars and later bred with Mustangs to develop the hearty cow ponies favored by cowboys and ranchers.
The ancient sport of racing was popular from the beginning.
It uses the horse’s herding instinct, mimicking the herd
in flight. Sensing each other’s excitement, the young horses naturally want to race.
They run for the sheer joy of it. And few are built better for
running than Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. The sport was established by and for
European nobility as a way to prove their
horses’ worth in the market. Noblemen raced Thoroughbred while observers made bets among themselves. It truly was the “sport of kings.”
Colonists kept the event alive with match races (usually quarter-mile distances) to showcase their quick, agile and well-muscled Quarter Horses.
Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses are still the breeds of choice for runners. Today, racing is no longer the sport of kings, but is a multi-million-dollar business in New Mexico.
In all their roles, from food to beast of burden to athlete, New Mexico horses have had a huge impact on human civilization.
The Horse Tales exhibit at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque explores the long trail of the horse’s biological evolution and its interactions with humans.
Information panels chronicle the history of the horse. Wall-sized murals show the evolution of the horse and its environment. Displays of ancient bits and bridles reveal man’s early attempts at controlling the equine. Via video tape, horse experts share their experience and knowledge with listeners.
Fossils and skeletal remains of early horses evidence their amazing evolution. Paintings by renowned Western artist Charles Russell allow all to admire the shape and form of the magnificent creature up close.
You can experience Horse Tales and participate in various other special events connected with the exhibit held at the museum through February 9. After leaving Albuquerque, the exhibit will be housed in the Hubbard Museum in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, until construction of the Anne C. Stradling Museum of the Horse is completed (construction begins in early 1992). Horse Tales is funded in part by the R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation.
SPRING 2022 35